Justin Moore - Outlaws Like Me
By: Dan MacIntosh
Why are (some) country folks so darn defensive? If Justin Moore is any cultural weathervane for the South, these modern day outlaws sure act like musical defense lawyers. However, if Southerners are so overtly proud of their lifestyle -- which they express with Confederate flags, among other symbols -- why do they work so hard to justify their way of life? It just doesn’t make sense.
Moore’s first single from Outlaws Like Me, “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” is a beautiful meditation on man’s innate desire to get back in touch with friends and loved ones that die too soon. Unfortunately, this classy and sincere track is an exception to an otherwise classless effort.
One track called “Guns” even gets defensive about self-defense. It makes a weak sauce case for gun ownership. Instead of presenting examples of why having a gun might make some sense, Moore merely defends owning guns simply because he wants to have one. On “Bait A Hook,” Moore looks down his nose at anyone that doesn’t know how to bait a hook or skin a buck. [Uh, when it comes to skinning bucks, that would make most of us unqualified, Justin. I don’t think we’re all idiots merely because we don’t hunt beautiful defenseless creatures with high-powered weaponry.] Then on “Beer Time,” Moore has recorded a song readymade for a beer commercial. It’s as though he’s replaced the word “Miller” with the word “beer.”
One pro-country music song is titled “If You Don’t Like My Twang.” On it, Moore states, “I don’t care if you don’t like my twang.” Well, if he didn’t care, why did he go to all the trouble to write a 3:43 song and record it? Once again, he’s just being overly defensive. Don’t brag about how country you are; just be yourself and let the people judge the “art.” You don’t hear George Strait boasting about how country he is. Yet nobody ever questions his credentials; you just have to hear a few seconds of that golden voice and you know it’s a great country singer, more than likely singing a great country song.
This is not just an album about guys being Southern guys, oh no. It’s also filled with Southern girls behaving like Southern guys, too, as displayed on “My Kind of Woman,” about a girl that loves to hunt and fish, and looks good in camouflage. Hey, what ever happened to just being smart and pretty?
If Black R&B artists sang songs about eating watermelon and fried chicken, they’d make utter fools of themselves. At least they know better than to create racial stereotype songs. Yet whereas most African-Americans have enough class to avoid making fools of themselves, panderers like Justin Moore let their dumb guy flags fly proudly – song after song after song.
The South is so much deeper than the Blue Collar Comedy Tour and all those redneck jokes. Justin Moore is no outlaw. A true outlaw would sing about the true soul of the South the way My Morning Jacket and Drive By Truckers do. He sings, “God bless outlaws like me,” but let’s hope the Man upstairs curses fools like Moore, instead, so that intelligent Southerners can have a bigger forum. Please step aside, Bubba.
Buy: Amazon | Amazon CD | iTunes
Agree or don't agree with Dan? Feel free to leave a comment or two below explaining why!
READER'S COMMENTS
williams says:
Posted: Saturday, December 31, 2011
I'm no saying Nelson and company are dead I'm saying it's been years since they released anything relevant so dont expect to hear na artist that wants to have success play that kind of music while I said I liked some of Jamey johnsons stuff he had one hit with in color and has barley scraped the charts since then radio dosnt play that stuff anymore Moore is a modern day outlaw country has changed and he recognizes and he must change with it. Elderly Alerts
Joshua Johnson says:
Posted: Thursday, December 22, 2011
I don't think Moore understands that using using a metaphor is a smarter way of getting his ideas across. Or maybe his label told him to keep his writing simple and stick to his fan base(simple, ignorant, racist, closed minded people). The author's analogy is a spot on.
craig says:
Posted: Saturday, October 22, 2011
Wow. I know I'm late yo the game here but I just stumbled onto this review. Its pretty funny that you've got this guy saying Justin is trying to defend how country he is, then you've got commenter trying to defend how they're country, but not inbred rednecks! I've had the pleasure of meeting Justin a few times do to my friend (who I met ind college ) playing in his band. He's a generally good guy. We drank a few beers, talked about hunting and fishing, talked about how we'd both recently became fathers, and my job as a conductor on the railroad. Justin does a lot of writing on his albums and to gis credit, writes about what he knows. It'd probably be much easier for him to take home trophies at award shows if he were willing to have a bunch of backup dancers on stage with him, but he's not interested in doin the bubblegum pop thing. I know its difficult for many on the music industry to believe, but there's a lot of people between L.A. and N.Y. and many of us connect better with a guy singing about hunting,fishing, and drinking then we do with another Taylor Swift breakup song. The biggest knock I have on J.M. is he's an Arkansas Razorbacks fan when deep down he knows UK owns the S.E.C.! As for this review, it was dumb, judgmental and irrelevant. Oh yeah, "Sing a song about the heartland, sing a song about my life." George has wri5en about how country he is. Peace this little hillbilly is out!
Corey says:
Posted: Thursday, September 22, 2011
This person is soo wrong. He isnt just trying to defend owning a gun because he wants one, if you would listen he is talking about things he does with them. He talks about hunting with them and doing things that everyone like us likes to do. He even says "its not like im slingin em on the block" meaning he isnt carrying one all the time like you think he is saying. The animals we hunt are not just beautiful poor defensless animals, God put them here for us to hunt and eat they arent here to look at and make pets out of. They are here to be killed and eaten. And to be honest we dont care if you like us or not, we dont care what you think of us. Hints the songs "kiss my country ass" and "if you dont like my twang". God bless.
Trace says:
Posted: Thursday, August 18, 2011
This guy is right. Justin Moore is just a pretty boy wannabe country outlaw in boots his studio bought him. Only one song on hear sounds decent the rest is trash and doesn't even begin to give a message. real country music stars don't have to keep reminding everyone that they sing country like this guy does every waking second of his awfully recorded songs.
Adam says:
Posted: Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Worst review I've ever seen. This is one of the best country albums Ive ever bought and Ive bought hundreds over the years. You talk about him not singing about the soul of the south. Flying Down A Backroad to me is the south rolled into a big ball and shoved down your throat. Of all the stuff he has done, there is nothing like going home to the what? SOUTH. The south is riding with your buddies and bluegill fishing on a lake, Drinking Jack D whiskey that is made in the south, Hunting deer, going to church in the bible belt, and loving your family. Have you ever been south of Ohio? Stupid moronic dumb ridiculous review. Not because you didn't like it but, you try to tell us who he is and you don't know. Also what is an outlaw to you? What did Merle and guys like that do that is any different than him. Get arrested for shoplifting or maybe drank way to much. Man I know 2 or 3 outlaws myself then. Terrible.
Ernie says:
Posted: Tuesday, August 2, 2011
I would like to see what other reviews this hack has done. There are somethings that are God awful out there this album was not one of them. I am totally shocked one would write this, it is almost hilarious at the crap he typed. Oh well keep doing what you are doing Justin, maybe one day we will all see what Dan M sees as the perfect album.
Matt says:
Posted: Sunday, July 24, 2011
sounds like this guys pissed because justin's singing about him in "if you don't like my twang" and "bait a hook" :)
Sam says:
Posted: Thursday, July 7, 2011
First of all Jamie isn't over my had I like some of his stufflike in color that lonesome song and the guitar song but some thing like Mary go round and Macon are just dumb. And maybe they won't be making movies about Moore or young in 20 years but I bet they'll still be making hits Becuase they're both amazing and no this has no paint by numbers to it. It all comes from moored soul and heart and he speaks the truth on this record. And in case you hadn't noticed quite a few people like moores brand of music it debuted at 1 on the charts. I'm no saying Nelson and company are dead I'm saying it's been years since they released anything relevant so dont expect to hear na artist that wants to have success play that kind of music while I said I liked some of Jamey johnsons stuff he had one hit with in color and has barley scraped the charts since then radio dosnt play that stuff anymore Moore is a modern day outlaw country has changed and he recognizes and he must change with it. But that in no way is pandering it's still music made from his heart and souls put together in a method that will be successful at radio and I see nothing wrong with that
Eddie says:
Posted: Monday, July 4, 2011
and merle haggard and willie nelson are still making music.. they are not gone... they are making AMAZING music... I don't think this is about conservatives or liberals... sad that you reduce the argument to that. this is about good music. and it sounds like you might like your music a little more self proclaimed outlaw style with a little paint by numbers lyric. im not saying that Justin is a bad guy, i just think he is beyond pandering. maybe Jamey's music is a bit over your heard SAM. do you think there will be movies in 20 years about guys like Justin Moore or Chris Young or any other mediocre artists? NO. because they aren't saying anything or pushing the genre.
Jake says:
Posted: Sunday, July 3, 2011
The author of this oh so pitiful article is clearly an "offended by anything and everything American" Liberal. Justin Moore's "Outlaws Like Me" is a country album for country music fans- if you don't like country music, well, hell, don't listen to it. The author says something about "Well why does he record a song defending himself" in regards to the song "If you don't like my twang"...umm, because he's recording a country music album dummy. Hey AUTHOR of this pitiful article- go hop in your foreign car and KISS MY COUNTRY ASS!
Sam says:
Posted: Friday, July 1, 2011
What so wrong with being proud of being country really I mean Moore is more country then a lot of artists out there today. And really Jamie may be Old time sounding but some of his songs make no sense and relate to nobody which isn't good. Moore isnt in a contest of being more country he's just expressing his pride of his lifestyle an d unwillingness to change it and really man of the artist that sound like haggard and nelson are gone and they aret coming back so complain if you want but Moore is a good example of true country music today
Eddie says:
Posted: Friday, July 1, 2011
I think this review hit the nail on the head.... its sad that a genre of music with amazing artist like merle haggard, willie nelson, steve earle...etc etc.... is reduced to self proclaimed outlaws, shame on Justin for reducing your lyrics to madlibs.... country music is now like gangster rap of the 90'... they were rapping about who is the most "gangster".... now its who is most "country" he wont get my money, or nor is he an outlaw, you want real country music from a non self proclaimed outlaw? go get a Jamey record....
Bill says:
Posted: Monday, June 27, 2011
This is easily the worst review I have ever read. You must be someone who cant bait a hook or have not lived or been in the country. This cd is one of the best I have ever heard an the way you bashed it is just idiotic. Just this review alone makes me not wanna go on this web site anymore.
Blaine says:
Posted: Saturday, June 25, 2011
This album rocked, Your prob just not country enough to like it. Haterrrrrrrrrr! Justin Moore, Keep up the good work! I adore your music<3
Sam says:
Posted: Saturday, June 25, 2011
You know you talk about how unclassy and uncarig about the fans justin Moore is let me tell you what kind of person justic Moore really is. He held a concert last year at our local fair grounds here in town in july and played for free all the proceeds went to a local girl who has cystic fibrosis to pay her medical bills while playing he told everyone to come down out of the grandstands and up to the main stage I being shy wouldn't do it I stood by myself in the grandstands and watched as everyone stood by the stage and listened to him sing. Back that thing up. He then stoped and said obviously someone is a little too shy to come down here so I'm coming to you. He came into the grandstands proceded o stand right in front of me told the crowd I don't know who seat this is but I'm sure you won't mind if I use it for a few minutes and played backwoods literally inches in front of me. I that's unclassy an uncaring about his fans then I guess I havnt seen an act yet that does care And this album is representative of all those qualities that make Moore such a success for caring about his fans
Tori says:
Posted: Saturday, June 25, 2011
Oh and fyi, we wouldn't care if you merely said you thought it was a bad album, but the fact that you BASHED him for his ways of life and didn't even talk about the music at all shows how ignorant you are. Anybody could sit at a computer and make fun of people, get a real job.
Victoria Kennedy says:
Posted: Saturday, June 25, 2011
First off, I'm not sure what makes you think this is an album review because all you did was bash southerners and their beliefs? It had nothing to do with music whatsoever. Second of all, Justin sold more copies of this album in his sleep than you could ever dream of selling in 10 years. He is the most down to earth, classy guy I've ever met in my life and in a few years when he is THE biggest name in country music, and you want to pretend you never said a darn thing about him, I'm gonna call you out on it and make you look like a fool. Because that's exactly what you are. You're the one who needs education, hiding behind a computer screen bashing an artist who's worked so hard on this project. Good thing Justin doesn't give two shakes of a stick about you, he only cares about his fans (which there are hundreds of thousands of by the way)
Karen Tackett says:
Posted: Saturday, June 25, 2011
I am so upset over this. I can just imagine what kind of person you are. Nobody I would ever want to have anything to do with I'm sure. You can write a review without punching the man in the gut. Geez! Take it easy. Being country is a lifestyle. We are what we are & we aren't gonna apologize for it. We are very proud of who we are & what we stand for. Why should we be degraded for that. Justin Moore is true to his roots & honest to the core. He isn't boasting about anything, he is just singing what he knows. He's down home & proud of it. Those of us from SMALL TOWN USA, can relate to his lyrics & enjoy listening to him. He's a "what you see is what you get" kinda guy. He isn't pretending to be an outlaw. He is an outlaw. Maybe you should spend some time down in the BACKWOODS. So, you don't like his album, don't knock the man's character. He is a great guy that has it all figured out. He isn't gonna put on airs to boost his career. He is the most honest, true-blue, down home country boy as you will ever see. I think you owe him an apology for all the ignorant statements you made about him. Fine, if ya don't like his music, but have some tact.
heather gordon says:
Posted: Friday, June 24, 2011
I love Justin and this album! He's great song writer, singer, and performer. I've met him several times and he's always been very sweet. I'm a nurse that enjoys hunting, fishing, and all the things "guys" enjoy. Also happily married to a man that loves we have that in common. You even mentioning black artists singing about watermelon and fried chicken shows exactly how ignorant and what a complete FOOL you are! How can you even mention Justin being "classless" with that comment?! They may know not to sing about it, but you'd think you would know not to say something like that. Your and F*****G IDIOT!! In the words of one of my favorites songs " I could kick your ass"!
Terry Hall says:
Posted: Friday, June 24, 2011
Is this a Review of Justin Moore's album or an article about a critic who is out to bash Justin Moore's character? Well first of all the album is actually an awesome album that I haven't stop listening to since it came out. Oh and by the way I'm not just some po-dunk rebel flag flying uneducated redneck. I'm actually a college graduate who lives in the city. So your ignorant ramble about Justin Moore is simply that...ignorant. Sounds like you're a little jealous. Maybe it's because men and women alike wait hours to see him perform, rain or shine because he is that great of a singer, song writer and performer. And you are simply a critic who is writing on roughstock.com which I never would have heard of if it wasn't for this review. Maybe you could learn from his writing abilities. Oh and for you to say classless is mind boggling. You obviously know nothing about Justin Moore. I've met him numerous times and each time he has been nothing but classy. He always talks about his family and God and respecting his Mother. In the song Guns he speaks his mind on a political matter and last time I checked just because you speak your mind doesn't mean your getting defensive. Also, you have no clue about him. He is himself, so what if he brags a little...you think Hank didn't? And because Justin Moore wants a southern girl that likes the lifestyle that he lives doesn't mean that they can't be smart and pretty. And the dumbest thing that you said was that you hope the big man upstairs curses fools like Justin and for him to step aside bubba...well I have news for you, He's not stepping aside, he's stepping up the chart's and selling hundreds of thousands of albums while SUPER INTELLIGENT critics like you try to bash him he's making 100 times what you make BUBBA!
Terry Hall says:
Posted: Friday, June 24, 2011
Is this a Review of Justin Moore's album or an article about a critic who is out to bash Justin Moore's character? Well first of all the album is actually an awesome album that I haven't stop listening to since it came out. Oh and by the way I'm not just some po-dunk rebel flag flying uneducated redneck. I'm actually a college graduate who lives in the city. So your ignorant ramble about Justin Moore is simply that...ignorant. Sounds like your a little jealous. Maybe it's because men and women alike wait hours to see him perform, rain or shine because he is that great of a singer, song writer and performer. And you are simply a critic who is writing on roughstock.com which I never would have heard of if it wasn't for this review. Maybe you could learn from his writing abilities. Oh and for you to say classless is mind boggling. You obviously know nothing about Justin Moore. I've met him numerous times and each time he has been nothing but classy. He always talks about his family and God and respecting his Mother. In the song Guns he speaks his mind on a political matter and last time I checked just because you speak your mind doesn't mean your getting defensive. Also, you have no clue about him. He is himself, so what if he brags a little...you think Hank didn't? And because Justin Moore wants a southern girl that likes the lifestyle that he lives doesn't mean that they can't be smart and pretty. And the dumbest thing that you said was that you hope the big man upstairs curses fools like Justin and for him to step aside bubba...well I have knews for you, He's not stepping aside, he's stepping up the chart's and selling hundreds of thousands of albums while SUPER INTELLIGENT critics like you try to bash him he's making 100 times what you make BUBBA!
megan says:
Posted: Friday, June 24, 2011
Not knowing how to skin a buck or bait a hook doesn't make you an idiot, but the fact that you said everything you said makes you a freaking moron. You can say you don't like the album without being such a dick.. and by the way in my opinion all "black r&b artists" make complete utter fools of themselves everytime they open their mouths... Just get your head out of your ass.
Kevin says:
Posted: Friday, June 24, 2011
This writer is ridiculous. I've seen Justin in concert after a power outrage in Ohio. While we waited for 2 hours for the power to come on he walked around and met the crowd. He told everyone to get out of the grandstands and get closer to him. It was the best concert a fairgrounds could offer. Take your dumb and idiotic article and shove because it seems like you don't know squat.
Roseann says:
Posted: Thursday, June 23, 2011
I love these songs....I "got" all these songs...guess best liked by rednecks who have "been there"
Lynsey says:
Posted: Thursday, June 23, 2011
Was this a review on Justin Moore's album or just bashing on Justin Moore and his opinions? I'm a girl that likes men who can bait their own hooks, I can skin a buck, I hunt and fish, a member of the NRA,and I LOVE wearing camo! This doesn't make me any less classy of a lady. I work in the Court system, and in Physical Therapy. Oh yeah, I also ride horses, ride 4-wheelers and can drive a tractor. Is there something wrong with this? Justin Moore is my kind of man, I love what he sings about! He's not singing about murdering or breaking the law...why so harsh on him? This is how we live in the country and he just sings about it. Maybe you write such a negative review because you can't relate to his songs at all? Those of us who can relate, and know EXACTLY what it is he's talking about LOVE him and his music! Keep them coming Justin.. !!!!
Doug says:
Posted: Thursday, June 23, 2011
So, I guess I shouldn't buy this one? I think I will anyway, I actually already did. I have listened to it about 10 times and will listen many many more. Please don't let some chucklehead in the media make this decision for you. Some of the best movies and music etc in history got awful reviews and went on to be some of the best stuff out there. Well, it is Beer Time, keep on trucking...
Calvin says:
Posted: Thursday, June 23, 2011
@ Matt: I agree that albums should not be compared to one another. Each album should be reviewed for what it is. With that being said, Colt Ford sings (if you call it that) about the same cliche country-isms that Justin Moore got bashed for in this review. I agree that Justin Moore's latest project was not as stellar as I hoped but in no way do I think it deserved 1 star. That is way too harsh.
Dylan says:
Posted: Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Many parts of this review are completely rediculous. I understand the frustration with the continued recording of "I'm country and you're not" songs. However, it is wrong to say that this album is completely full of dumb songs that fit this bill (although there are definately a few). You failed to mention the songs that are different (i.e. "Run out of Honky Tonks" among others). I also want to bring up another point that may or may not have merit. Justin Moore's songs are from the point of view of being from a town of around 300 people. He is not necessarily writing about the entirity of the south or the United States. Did you ever think he might be being honest and writing about his way of life? Maybe its not identical to your's. I also want to take issue with your criticism of the defensive nature of Moore's songs. I don't understand why this is a bad thing even though this defensive quality doesn't apply to every song. Moore is writing an album about country pride - doesn't everybody want to have pride in their way of life? It shouldn't be automatically considered a bad quality song if it has these characteristics. In addition, this defenseive nature may come from the continued way that country and so-called "rednecks" are looked down upon often in popular culture. A great percentage of the time this demographic is ignored or portrayed in a negative life. I notice this all of the time living my entire life inside the city of Seattle. Finally, I take issue with your stereotype argument. The idea that black music/hip-hop/R&B doesn't enocurage stereotypes is rediculous. Why don't you turn on any urban music or top-40 station and tell me what you here for lyrics.
Josh says:
Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011
This is the worst review I've ever seen. Go review lady gaga's albums please, you know nothing about country music.
says:
Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Randy says:
Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Matt, I respect you for taking a stand. I can not stand the trend of "I'm so country, this is what country is, blah, blah, blah." Just lyrically lazy IMO. If anything, Country is the freedom to be an individual, family, God (for most), country, everyday life. Nothing to do with hunting, guns etc Pandering can take many forms and I am tired of the "I'm, you're so country " crap pandering-it also paints a stereotype of anyone liking country music.
illini10 says:
Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011
I couldn't care less about your opinion on the album, but your statements on other subjects in the review are outlandish. Just because he sings a song about something doesn't mean he is "justifying" it as you claim. Who cares what kind of women he likes, and who are you to judge him for it? In the last paragraph, hoping God curses him because he sings music you don't like? Really? How old are you Dan McIntosh? Further, "redneck," is not a race, contrary to what you insinuate in this review. However, racial stereotypes are EXACTLY what black r&b artists sing about. Cars with 20 inch rims? Words like n***** sprinkled throughout? "Curvy" women, for lack of a better word? If those aren't racial stereotypes, I don't know what is. Please. As far as I'm concerned it's not the album but this review that is utterly classless.
Naw says:
Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Who cares how many stars some "expert" gives him. Those who love his music and live the songs he sings will careless about any critic.
Sam says:
Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011
I wouldn't give this 5 stars but cmon you rated this a little harsh it actually isn't that bad of an album. I enjoyed several tracks on it that are now on repeat in my car. I love if heaven wasn't so far away its just an amazing song enough said. As far as if you don't like my twang goes I know people who criticize artists like Justin Moore all the time and go to concerts and do so all he is saying in this song is he realize you don't like it and it dosnt bother him but some people do like it so don't ruin it for everyone by complaining. I like my kinda women maybe youthink every women should jus look pretty and laugh and shop but really honestly isn't that just creating a stereotype of women much like the steriotypes you say Justin Moore creates he is siting abou redneck women and that's the kind of women he likes and I tend to agree that's the kind I like as well so the song rings true to me. I'll give you beer it wasn't needed, but cmon how could you not like guns it dosnt need to give a sensible reason to own a gun but it gives several hunting and even self defense and in the process make light of the current problem in the criminal justice system making tough gun laws while crack dealers continue their revenue without worry of being busted by the way I'm a member of the NRA a proud member and I have a bachelors degree in criminal justice and work in the system so I see these problems with stupid laws every day. And seriously bait a hook was my favorite song on the album it is saying that the girl left the guy for a guy who isn't a real man. And I can understand if you don't know how to skin a buck how this would be offensive but if you don't then don't go after a redneck women Becuase they expect their men to know how to do that. You didn't say anything about redneck side which is a great track that could end up being a big hit as a party anthem. Till my last day is a very tender love song and outlaws like me is a beautifully written tack that's a hit in the making. I can understand that you don't live your life the way moore sings but if that's the case I find it hard to believe you appreciate other traditionalists such as Jamie johnson and Randy houser. If you don't appreciate traditional country that's fine but if that's the case then don't rate it have someone that does appreciate it rate it and give it an unbiased opinion something you clearly can't do. Maybe you would be more suited for rating Katie armigers latest or the band perrys latest not that there's anything wrong with either of those two either I apreciate music coming from all formats of country obviously you can't see fit to do that and you don't if that's the case find someone that does to rate traditional minded stuff from now on. Due to the one bad track this deserves 3/12 stars deffenitly not 1 star I'm not saying I dont take your opinion into account I respectfully disagree with it and no law enforcement isn't taking the guns but the politicians could worry more about making laws to clean up the streets of drugs then stoping people from hunting
Stormy says:
Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011
People who are country don't have to talk about how country they are. Just like people who are outlaws don't have to tell people they are outlaws. But when you are playing up to all the worst pop culture sterotypes of country, you have to get defensive. I hunt. I can skin a buck and bait a hook with the best of them. Growing up, we probably ate meat we killed outselves 25 days a month between the chicken, the fish and the venison. I grew up in a house with 25 guns. I also grew up in a house with 2500 books, have a degree from a liberal arts college (located in Montana) and didn't vote for Obama cause I found him too conservative. I could also explain to Moore why politicians who are trying to take his guns are not the same as the law enforcement who would bust crack dealers. I remember a time when literary illusions were woven into country songs on a regular basis, when Don Williams celebrated his Southern roots by talking about those Williams boys who meant so much to him--Hank AND Tennessee. That's right, celebration of an artsy-fartsy playwright smack in a celebration of small town, country roots--a song titled "Good Old Boys." There was no contridiction back then about reading classic literature and being from a small town. It isn't an attempt to be politically correct to not pimp yourself out to the lowest common denomenator. Its merely a sign that you respect yourself and the places you came from enough to stay true to their stories. You care enough about them to defend them from all the small-minded, prejudice people who shorthand a nasal twang as "dumb."
patrick says:
Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011
It goes to show you that the people who actually live like these songs, do not waste thier time in these idiotic forums. Quit giving Justin Moore a hard time, just because a few people doesn't like his music doesn't mean that it isn't good. I hunt and fish, and just about do everything he sings about on the album... and I do not consider myself a redneck. Also, Justin Moore doesn't create racial stereotype songs... you are ignorant for saying that. My best friend is black, and he even listens to this kind of music with me.
Matt B. says:
Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011
@Ryan,
We allow writers to decide for themselves what they think of albums and while I - the editor - personally rarely rate anything to harshly - I'm the rare person who likes most of what I hear. Thanks for coming to read our reviews.
@calvin,
We don't review albums as if they're equal or not to each other. They're reviewed for each individual body of work by the individual writer so it's perfectly OK for this to get the rating it got and for Colt Ford's latest to get the review it got as well. If we required everything to be compared to one another, it'd be a sad, sad state of affairs.
Calvin says:
Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Hmmm... from a site that gave Colt Ford's latest outing 4 stars. You give Justin Moore 1? Really?! Now how about a review from someone who doesn't have a personal vendetta against the artist.
Ham says:
Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011
I think it's a good review that raises relevant points - those old boys that need to yell at everyone about their authenticity are creating a stereotype that those of us who really live in the country have to fight constantly. My city friends think we're stupid hicks even when we have a degree. Give us some music that elevates the discussion - not panders to lowest mud bogging redneck out there.
Adam says:
Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011
I guarantee the majority of country music fans are not hunters, probably a very small percentage. In case you don't know it, country music doesn't make a killing off of people who live in the backwoods out in the sticks in the mud. Country music survives because of the city folk that can fork over $100s after $100s for concert tickets. And, uh, apologize for stating the facts about high powered weapons and defenseless animals? Facts are facts, ethical or not.
Ben Sterling says:
Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Although I agree that this album doesn't have that much substance, your generalization and degradation is incredibly over the line. He will sell many copies because there are people that like to listen to songs about hunting, fishing, and good ole country fun. I understand that many people want country music to head towards the seriousness of Carrie Underwood or other artists that attempt to be politically correct. Do you hate on Toby Keith every time his name is brought up or when he releases a record? Justin Moore is a modern day Toby that will catch tons of grief for writing songs about the "redneck side" of things. Lucky for him, many people buy and enjoy listening to that. I'm one of those people. I wouldn't give it five stars or one star. I say three.
Gary Zarda says:
Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Dan, while I agree that not everybody who can't skin a buck is an idiot,anybody who lambasts ethical hunters as you do is. Maybe Moore's take on hunting isn't inviting, but he's not every hunter. Do you even know your audience? Many hunters are country music fans as well and I'm not sure you want to drive them away. You might consider an apology for your generalization.
LEAVE A COMMENT